Anonymity (civil service) The anonymity of the civil service is linked to two concepts: permanence and neutrality. Civil servants, many of whom remain in their jobs whilst serving numerous governments, are thus likely to have to give advice to governments of different political parties, who may have different attitudes to policy. And it follows from both of the above that civil servants cannot be held accountable for the success or failure of government policy, for otherwise their public explanations could contain criticisms of their political masters.